USA Fencer Disqualified After Refusing to Compete Against Transgender Opponent

Stephanie Turner, an American fencer, was disqualified from a women’s fencing tournament in Maryland after refusing to compete against Redmond Sullivan, a transgender athlete.

The incident occurred during the Cherry Blossom D1A/Veteran Regional Open Circuit at the University of Maryland, where Turner took a knee in protest before the match began, citing objections to USA Fencing’s gender eligibility policy.

Turner, representing the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia, was issued a black card—a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct—after refusing to engage in the match. Explaining her decision, Turner stated: “I am a woman, and this is a man.

This is a women’s tournament, and I will not fence this individual.” She added that her protest was intended to draw attention to what she views as unfair policies regarding transgender athletes in women’s sports.

USA Fencing clarified its decision in a statement, emphasizing that the disqualification was based solely on Turner’s refusal to compete against an eligible opponent. “A fencer is not permitted to refuse to fence another properly entered fencer for any reason,” the organization said. It added that such rules are essential to maintaining fairness and preserving the integrity of the sport.

The incident has reignited debates surrounding transgender inclusion in women’s sports. Turner, who described herself as a lifelong Democrat turned conservative over this issue, argued that policies allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s events undermine fairness and safety for female competitors.

Sullivan, who transitioned from competing on men’s teams to women’s events in 2024, has not publicly commented on the incident. However, USA Fencing reaffirmed its commitment to inclusion, stating that its policies align with evolving standards within the Olympic and Paralympic movements.

The protest has drawn both support and criticism. Some have praised Turner for standing up for her beliefs, while others have condemned her actions as discriminatory.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova also weighed in on the controversy, criticizing USA Fencing for what she called a lack of consideration for female athletes’ concerns.

The debate comes amid broader policy shifts in U.S. sports governance. In February 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports at federally funded institutions—a move that has further polarized public opinion on the issue.

As discussions around equity and inclusion continue to evolve, incidents like this highlight the complexities of balancing fairness with inclusivity in competitive sports.

While Turner’s disqualification underscores USA Fencing’s adherence to its policies, it also signals ongoing tensions within the sporting community regarding gender identity and competition rules.